Hello all, this is my first post to bikeforums, and my first bike tour.

Next summer, I'll be doing a charity ride with Bike & Build from Boston to Santa Barbara, averaging 75 miles/day. The trip is to raise money for affordable housing, and most of the riders are college students, or recent graduates. Most of us don't have extensive cycling or touring experience. There will be a SAG wagon, and we'll be staying in YMCAs, churches, community centers, etc.

As part of the tour, we'll be provided with a bike. We have the option of getting the 2008 Specialized Allez Triple, upgrading to the women's Dolce for $37, or upgrading to the 2008 Trek 1.5 for $185. I'll be visiting my LBS to check out the bikes, but would appreciate any thoughts/comments.

Also, all of these bikes have Sora/Tiagra components. Do you guys think it's worth the money to upgrade to all Tiagra, or better components?